More than 160 people have died and tens of thousands have had to take refuge in state-run relief camps after heavy rains caused floods and landslides in eastern India, government officials and aid groups said on Monday, August 3. Exacerbated by Cyclone Komen which struck the east coast on Friday, July 31, the rainfall has made major rivers overflow, inundating villages in parts of West Bengal, Odisha and Manipur. The rains also caused a landslide in Manipur, killing 21 people

Myanmar Calls For Help

Myanmar said on Tuesday, August 4, it had appealed for international assistance to help provide food, temporary shelter and clothing for more than 210,000 people affected by widespread flooding following weeks of heavy monsoon rains.

At least 47 people have died in the floods, according to the government.

"We are cooperating and inviting international assistance. We have started contacting possible donor organizations and countries," Ye Htut, the Minister of Information and spokesman for the President's Office said.

He said international assistance was also needed to relocate people and rebuild communities after the flood waters retreat. With a per capita GDP of $1,105, Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in East Asia and the Pacific.

The Chinese Embassy in Yangon began providing relief supplies to stricken areas this week.

Air force personnel carrying rescue operations after floods hit the Amreli district due to heavy rains in Gujarat on Thursday. PTI Photo